The legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith describes her this way: "Akiko's playing is like watching a flower blooming, a bird spreading her wings in the music world. Akiko is here to stay."

Since landing in the mecca for jazz, New York City, Akiko has been embraced not only by audiences, but by her fellow musicians, as one of the top organ players in the city. She has shared to stage with Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess, and Lou Donaldson to name a few. Her latest album features the great Jeff Hamilton on drums and Graham Dechter on guitar.